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Exploring the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai

Every November, the quiet and historic city of Chiang Mai transforms into one of the most vibrant holiday destinations in Thailand. Travellers from around the world gather with locals to celebrate Yi Peng, one of the most iconic festivals of the year.

Origins of the Yi Peng Festival
Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its serene landscapes and ancient charm, making it the ideal setting for Yi Peng.

The festival originated from the beliefs of the ancient Lanna Kingdom in the late thirteenth century. Traditionally, Yi Peng marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a cooler period. Locals believed they needed to pay homage to the sacred Phra That Kaew Chulamanee relic on the full moon of the twelfth Lanna month. Since the relic was believed to be kept in the highest realm of heaven, sky lanterns were released as a way for prayers to reach the celestial world.

Yi Peng is celebrated around the same time as Loy Krathong, though each festival has its own distinct customs. Loy Krathong is held across Thailand, while Yi Peng is primarily celebrated in the northern region.

Lanterns in Yi Peng
During Yi Peng, thousands of Khom Loi lanterns are lit and released into the night sky. As the lanterns rise, they symbolically carry away misfortune from the past year and reflect hopes for luck, prosperity and a favourable harvest.

For Loy Krathong, candlelit krathong floats made from banana leaves are set adrift on rivers and lakes. A romantic belief says that if a couple releases two krathong together and the floats drift side by side until they reach the other end of the river or lake, the couple will stay together forever.

Another custom involves guests placing small coins inside krathong as a wish for prosperity. Because of this tradition, some swimmers collect coins from the water after the floats drift away.